Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has raised concerns over the design of a flood control project in Arayat, Pampanga after parts of the structure collapsed despite the absence of heavy rainfall, prompting a possible declaration of a danger zone in the area.

Dizon inspected the damaged flood control project along the Pampanga River in Barangay Candating on Friday and said the structure failed to address the root causes of riverbank erosion, leading to cracks and partial collapse just months after repairs.

“Pinaayos natin, pinasara natin, nasara natin ng ilang buwan, siguro mga two months, pero ang problema naman gumuho na wala pang ilang buwan. Doon nagco-collapse na ‘yung doon, ‘yung dito nagbibitak-bitak na mga semento. Tapos ang pinakamasama, bumagsak na ‘yung mga bahay na dati nandito,” Dizon said.

The DPWH chief also questioned how houses were allowed to be built along the riverbank, an area covered by no-build zone regulations.

In response, Dizon said DPWH will strengthen coordination with local governments to relocate the residents affected and enforce river easement rules strictly to prevent similar incidents.

“Magdi-desisyon tayo dito. Baka kailangan muna nating mag-declare ng danger zone dahil sa nakita natin last week. At baka kailanganin muna natin ng force evacuation kasi nangyari ito na hindi pa masyadong malakas ang ulan. Ano pa ang mangyayari dito kapag bumuhos na ang ulan in three to four months? Kukunin natin ang datos. Kailangan nating kausapin ang ating mga kababayan,” he said.

The government is also studying the construction of a retention pond and a cut-off channel to help manage strong water flow in the Pampanga River, particularly in Arayat, to reduce pressure on flood control structures.

The DPWH said its investigation into the incident is ongoing and assured the public that accountability will be pursued.